Jury selection begins in Sean "Diddy" Combs trial in NYC. Here's what he's accused of.
Jury selection in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial started Monday in New York City.
The judge plans to bring in 50 prospective jurors every day until a jury of 12 people and six alternates is selected. On Monday, 15 potential jurors were questioned and four were dismissed. In all, 40 will need to be approved.
Because Combs is such a high-profile defendant, the initial screening process started last week.
At his final pretrial hearing last week, a judge ruled Combs is permitted to wear some articles of regular clothing, instead of his tan jail uniform. Sitting amongst his eight lawyers on Monday, Combs wore a sweater over a white collared shirt and gray slacks. The rap mogul's hair and goatee have turned almost fully grey since he was put in jail last September.
What potential jurors were asked
The court brought in hundreds of candidates to fill out questionaries to identify potential biases and how much they may already know about the case. In-person questioning of the remaining jurors began at 8:30 a.m.
Before being questioned, the 150 potential jurors noted on a form if they are familiar with any of 190 celebrities listed. Several recognized Mike Myers, Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West and Kid Cudi. It's not clear how the names are related to the trial, if at all.
Jurors were also asked whether they've experienced sexual assault and if videos of physical violence and sexually explicit videos would interfere with their ability to be fair and impartial.
Jury selection is expected to last for several days, and opening statements are scheduled to begin next Monday, May 12. The trial is expected to run between eight and 10 weeks.
Diddy trial centers around charges from 4 women
Although dozens of men and women have filed civil lawsuits against Combs, this criminal trial will highlight the claims of four women, including those of ex-girlfriend and singer Cassie Ventura. The other three will testify anonymously.
Combs, 55, faces a total of five charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Prosecutors allege that for two decades he used his business empire to run a criminal enterprise that coerced women into participating in drug-fueled sexual escapades, known as "freak offs," involving male prostitutes.
The criminal indictment also alleges Combs terrorized people into silence through threats and physical abuse, and even dangled someone from a balcony.
As for the evidence, jurors will be shown security footage of Combs beating, punching and dragging Ventura in the hallway of a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. Prosecutors also plan to show jurors travel records, text messages and emails to support claims of what they call "freak off activity."
Several potential jurors said they'd seen the video of Combs' assault of Ventura. One woman called it "damning evidence" and was rejected. After another potential juror was dismissed, Combs asked for a bathroom break, telling the judge, "I'm sorry, your honor, I'm a little nervous today."
Also dismissed was a marketer for Simon and Schuster who reviewed a press release about an upcoming book about Combs by singer Al B. Sure!.
The judge reminded jurors Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is presumed innocent.
Combs recently rejected a plea deal. The details were not publicized, but it would have given him a lighter sentence than what he'll face if he's convicted on all counts – which is up to life in prison.
His legal troubles began nearly two years ago when Ventura filed a civil suit against him, alleging years of physical and sexual abuse. The two settled, though dozens more cases have been filed by other alleged victims. Combs denies the allegations.
In March, 2024, federal agents raided Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami. Two months later, footage of the Ventura assault aired on CNN, and Combs apologized on social media.
Legal experts say defense attorneys will try to change public perception.
"You want that jury seeing Mr. Combs as relatable, as human, as a father," attorney Judie Saunders said.
